The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

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Good evening!

Hi everyone!

My name is Steffen, I'm a 24 year-old man from Norway who currently study archaeology at the University of Bergen.

A few months ago a D&D group emerged among my friends and soon I will be running a campaign (H2) as their dungeon master.
I like going the extra mile when I'm doing something I'm enjoying (who doesn't?), and drawing beautiful maps is what I'm aiming for this time. Today we use a dry erase homemade gridded map, but I want to serve my players with details whiteboard markers can't deliver.

The only problem with drawing beautiful maps is that I'm utterly terrible at drawing. Or perhaps more accurately, I have very little experience with drawing, or art in general for that matter. Experience comes from, well, experience, but I can't picture myself painting on a canvas or drawing a portrait, however I can quite vividly picture myself drawing maps.

So I am here to find tips and inspiration, and I'm sure I'll be successful finding both.

Welcome to the Guild. Try out some of the tutorials and you'll be making beautiful maps in no time. You don't need to be an expert artist to become a great cartographer. I can't draw a person very well but I do okay with maps.
M

A few months ago a D&D group emerged among my friends and soon I will be running a campaign (H2) as their dungeon master.

By H2 do you mean Thunderspire Labyrinth?If yes then you can use NeonKnights maps for that adventure.You'll find them on the finished maps forum.
They are really nice and I was also using them for a summer campaign of mine.
And welcome to the guild.